Gianni Infantino Confirms Bid for Third Term as FIFA President Amid Pressure
FIFA President Gianni Infantino will seek re-election in March 2027, despite recent controversies and mounting scrutiny over his leadership and decisions involving World Cup rights.
By Ravi Menon · First published 6 Sept 2026
In brief
- Gianni Infantino has officially announced his intention to run for another term as FIFA president in 2027.
- Infantino initially avoided answering questions about his future at public events, fueling speculation about his intentions.
- His leadership has come under criticism following a failed attempt to sell World Cup rights to private investors.
- FIFA formally confirmed Infantino's candidacy after days of uncertainty and persistent questions from the press.
- The election is scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco, where Infantino is expected to face at least one challenger.
Timeline · 4 moments
Infantino avoids questions about future at U-20 Women's World Cup
Telegraaf ↗Media reports intensify speculation over Infantino's leadership and re-election plans
Al Jazeera ↗FIFA confirms Gianni Infantino will run for re-election in March 2027
Sky News ↗FIFA faces internal pressure over Infantino's failed World Cup rights deal
DER SPIEGEL - Schlagzeilen – Tops ↗How it started
Gianni Infantino has led FIFA since 2016, overseeing major tournaments and reforms. Recently, his future as president became a subject of speculation, especially after controversial moves regarding tournament rights and governance.
The situation drew attention during the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Katowice, Poland, where Infantino declined to comment on his re-election plans. His silence fueled further questions about whether he would seek another term as FIFA president.
How it unfolded
On September 5, 2026, Infantino attended the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup but refused to answer questions about his future, telling reporters, "Not today, not here," as reported by several outlets.
By September 6, reports highlighted that Infantino was under pressure, particularly due to his unsuccessful attempt to sell World Cup broadcasting rights to private investors. This added to the uncertainty around his leadership.
Later that day, it was revealed that Infantino would seek re-election as FIFA president in March 2027. Multiple sources confirmed that FIFA had officially communicated his candidacy. The announcement came amid ongoing criticism and scrutiny of his recent decisions.
Infantino is now expected to face at least one challenger during the FIFA Congress in Morocco, according to reporting on the internal dynamics and upcoming election.
Where it stands
FIFA has confirmed that Gianni Infantino will run for re-election as president in March 2027. He remains under pressure from within the football community, especially concerning his handling of commercial rights and governance issues.
The upcoming election is set to be a significant moment for FIFA, as attention turns to whether Infantino can secure another term or if opposition will gain traction.
What to watch
Eyes are now on the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March 2027, where the presidential election will take place. It remains to be seen who will challenge Infantino and how the controversies surrounding his tenure will influence the outcome.


